Trainee Counsellor

Nolimitshelp; Southampton; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading youth services charity in Southampton is seeking Trainee Counsellors to support young people in their development. The role offers extensive training, regular supervision, and the chance to work closely with children aged 11 to 17. Candidates will receive dedicated support, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Application closes on January 12, 2026.

Benefits

36 days annual leave

Two additional wellbeing days

Pension scheme

Life assurance scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Comprehensive induction and training offer

Qualifications

• Studying at Level 4 or above in a relevant counselling qualification.
• Membership of a professional counselling body.
• Fitness/readiness to practice covering working with 11 to 17-year-olds.

Responsibilities

• Support three children and young people each week.
• Attend regular team meetings and peer support opportunities.
• Deliver counselling and participate in safeguarding practices.

Skills

Counselling skills

Ability to work with children aged 11 to 17

Education

Level 4 counselling qualification or above

Job description

Role Terms

Hours:

• Mon: 10‑2pm, 9‑4pm
• Tue: 10‑2pm, 10‑1pm
• Wed: 10‑2pm
• Thu: 10‑1pm, 10‑1pm

Place of work:

• No Limits Head Office, 34/35 The Avenue, Southampton, SO17 1XN
• No Limits Advice Centre, High Street, Southampton, SO14 2DF

Responsible to: Operations Manager – Therapeutic Services

Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS): Enhanced DBS – Child and Adult Barred List

Essential driver? No, but must be able to independently travel to role location.

Closing Date: 9am Monday, 12th January 2026.

Interview Date: Tuesday 20th January 2026.

Our Charity

No Limits is the leading youth services charity in Southampton, supporting children and young people in the city and across Hampshire.

At No Limits, it is important our staff and volunteers reflect, represent, and have experience of the challenges faced by the children and young people we support. We are proud of and appreciate our many staff and volunteers who use their own lived experience to support the children and young people they work with.

With this in mind, we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of our work and organisational culture – and when recruiting, it’s important to us that we continue diversifying our staff and volunteer teams, with children and young people at the centre of everything we do. You can learn more about our DEI approach here.

When we talk about talent, we value the transferrable skills and experiences you can bring to No Limits, whether through work (in the same or a different sector), volunteering, or personal experiences. To make sure we get the best talent on our team, we are open to and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and sections of the community, including diverse ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and neurodiverse individuals.

Your Role

Are you looking for a supportive placement opportunity in a friendly organisation, where you are valued, and helped to grow?

Part of our Therapeutic Services team, our counselling placements provide first‑hand experience, allowing you to develop your skills, access Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities and gain practical insight of working with children and young people.

What we offer Trainee Counsellors

• Children and young people: Opportunity to typically support, on average, three children and young people each week, to develop your practice
• Support: Dedicated Manager support from a qualified practitioner, regular team meetings and opportunities for peer support with other Trainee and Volunteer Counsellors
• Full induction and training programme: Access to free mandatory training, such as safeguarding and health and safety, as well as other online and face‑to‑face training and opportunities, to support your personal and CPD
• Career development: Commitment to supporting the growth of our Trainee and Volunteer Counsellors
• Clinical supervision: FREE clinical supervision – 1.5 hours every other week
• Admin Support: No Limits has dedicated Admin support
• Expenses: Expenses are paid, if you need to travel to see a child or young person for your placement

Feedback:

“My peers are very supportive, warm and friendly. It is clear we care about each other’s wellbeing, as much as the wellbeing of those who we provide a service.”

“Learning and development opportunities in No Limits are exemplary.”

How to apply

• Studying at Level 4, or above, in a relevant counselling qualification
• Have your fitness/readiness to practice
• Are a member of a professional, ethical counselling body
• Have your fitness/readiness to practice that covers working with 11 to 17 year olds – most of our counselling referrals are for this age group, so please only apply if you are able to work with this age group

You must also be available for one of the following regular sessions, please let us know your preferred slot in your application.

• Monday – 10‑2pm, 9‑4pm
• Tuesday – 10‑2pm, 10‑1pm
• Wednesday – 10‑2pm
• Thursday – 10‑1pm, 10‑1pm

You will be very much part of our team, so you will be invited to other meetings and organisational events too.

We are committed to making a difference in the lives of the children and young people we work with, and as such, you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the No Limits ethos. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people is paramount.

We particularly welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and those who have had experiences similar to the young people we aim to support. We are committed to creating a diverse environment where people can be their authentic selves, where their experiences and opinions are valued, and we are all open to learning from each other.

As part of our team, you’ll receive a comprehensive induction and access to learning and development opportunities relevant to your role, supporting your ongoing growth.

Please let us know if we can support you with any reasonable adjustments at any point prior to, during or after the selection process, such as access arrangements, flexible working, or a suitable place to pray.

To apply

• Please complete an application form (link above)
• Please also fill out this information form: No Limits Trainee Counsellor Placements – February/March 2026

Our Benefits

• 36 days annual leave (including public holidays)
• Two additional wellbeing days per year – Supporting you to take additional time off for your wellbeing or development.
• Pension scheme – Supporting your future by matching your additional pension contributions up to 2%.
• Life assurance scheme – Giving you peace of mind with 2x annual salary cover for pension members.
• Hybrid and flexible working – Giving the flexibility to work in the best way for your role.
• Comprehensive induction and training offer – Including our online learning management system with hundreds of opportunities to support your development.
• Employee Assistance Programme – Providing you with counselling, financial, personal support and health and wellbeing services.

Interested…?

We’d be happy to have an informal discussion and answer any immediate questions you might have. If you’d like an initial discussion please contact The People Team on [e-mail].

To apply, please complete an application form (see above) and upload using the portal below, before the closing date of 9am on Monday, 12th of January 2026. Please contact [e-mail] if you need your application in an alternative format.

In the ‘Your Supporting Statement’ section of the application form, please include how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the ‘About you – knowledge, skills and experience’ section of the role description.

Please note that as we follow safer recruitment guidelines, we do not accept CVs.

We reserve the right to close the advert ahead of the published closing date if we receive sufficient suitable candidates, so you should submit your application form asap.